Motorcycle Repair: 1976 Honda CJ360T muffler, air fuel ratio, cj360t

Question
Hello Rich,

I have a 1976 Honda CJ360T that I am rebuilding.
The muffler is shot.If I put on one of those universal units, will this throw things off ie.carb adjustment etc.?
Thanks

Answer
Chris, the carbs are set up for a specific restriction in the intake air system and the exhaust system.  If you change something to reduce that restriction, it will flow more air through the engine and lean out the air fuel ratio.  It all depend on how much change is made.  If it's a small change, it won't change much but it's a free flowing system, it could require jetting the carbs to get the engine to run right.  If the engine runs too lean, you could burn a hole in a piston.

Regards
Rich